Building a PC for Diablo III: AMD Unlocked FX Bulldozer CPU Launches

AMD announced yesterday the launch of their new AMD FX family of CPUs introducing the first-ever eight-core CPU. They also released a six-core and four-core versions of the FX CPU.

AMD (NYSE: AMD) today unleashed the AMD FX family of CPUs, delivering a fully unlocked and customizable experience for desktop PC users. The AMD FX series of desktop CPUs includes the first-ever eight-core desktop processor, enabling extreme multi-display gaming, mega-tasking and HD content creation for PC and digital enthusiasts – all for less than $245 (suggested U.S. retail price). This marks the first retail availability of processors that use AMD’s new multi-core architecture (codenamed “Bulldozer”), which is included in AMD’s upcoming server CPU (codenamed “Interlagos”) and the next-generation of AMD Accelerated Processing Units.

“AMD FX CPUs are back with a vengeance, as validated by the recent feat of setting a Guinness World Records® title for ‘Highest Frequency of a Computer Processor,’” said Chris Cloran, corporate vice president and general manager, Client Group at AMD. “While overclockers will certainly enjoy the frequencies the AMD FX processors can achieve, PC enthusiasts and HD media aficionados will appreciate the remarkable experience that AMD FX processors can provide as part of a balanced, affordable desktop system.”

Starting today, the below AMD FX CPUs will be available from global retailers. Additional AMD FX CPUs and systems based on the AMD FX processors will be available for purchase following the initial launch.

Gamers new to Build-it-Yourself and interested in this new AMD FX CPU should know which motherboard and graphic cards to obtain for the best solution. AMD said yesterday, Oct 12.2011, gamers should aim to build a AMD “Scorpius” platform by matching an AMD FX CPU with an AMD 9-Series motherboard and the AMD Radeon™ HD 6000 series graphics cards.

AMD 9-Series Motherboards

There are three chipset models in the AMD 9-Series: The AMD 990FX, the AMD 990X chipset, and the AMD 970 Chipset. All support AM3, AM3+ and FX CPUs. If you have one of these motherboard chipsets, good news: You only need the CPU. However, game reviewers like HardOCP recommend the AMD 990FX chipset.

These are the Top 3 AMD 990FX motherboards used by reviewers of the AMD FX CPU.

AMD Radeon™ HD 6000 series graphics cards

Along with the AMD FX Family CPU and the AMD 990FX Motherboards, AMD recommends the AMD Radeon HD 6000 Series graphic cards for the ultimate gaming AMD Scorpius platform.

There are many graphic card manufacturers out there making these: XFX, Sapphire Tech, ASUS, BFG, Gigabyte, Visiontek, Diamond, HIS Digital and others. The AMD Radeon HD 6000 Series come in bunch of different flavors of graphics cards ranging low to high prices. You can choose your favorite manufacturer, but from what I have read EVGA is king-of-the-hill, followed by XFX and BFG Tech.